14.5.2026
Davie Defense has successfully announced the finalization of a $3.5B contract with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), for the construction and delivery of five Arctic Security Cutters (ASC), a new class of Arctic icebreaker. The signing of this contract marks a key milestone, enabling the ASC program to transition from the “Letter Contract” signed in February into the execution phase.
Construction of the first vessel is scheduled to commence in the coming summer at the Helsinki and Pori shipyards. As part of the program, two of the five vessels will be built at Helsinki Shipyard in close collaboration with Sata Shipbuilding, with the remaining three to be built in the United States at the group’s Gulf Copper facilities in Texas. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the program running through 2035.
For Helsinki Shipyard, the contract represents a continuation of its central role in delivering advanced icebreakers for demanding Arctic operations. The ASC design is based on a proven platform developed and delivered at the yard, reinforcing Helsinki Shipyard’s position as a global leader in icebreaker deliveries.
Under the program the commitment of sharing Arctic shipbuilding expertise between Finland and the United States will significantly strengthen long-term industrial cooperation across the transatlantic partnership.
The program forms part of the U.S. government’s broader effort to expand the nation’s Arctic fleet and deliver a total of 11 ASCs.
“This marks a major milestone in the ASC program. The finalized contract for these five vessels will significantly strengthen the U.S. Coast Guard’s capabilities,” says Mika Heiskanen, CEO of Davie Shipyards in Finland. “These proven vessels will provide the U.S. Coast Guard with critical long-term capability in a region where reliability and operational readiness are non-negotiable. We are committed to executing this program by delivering the first vessel in 2028.”
Further updates on the program will be announced in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Additional information:
Heli Poikonen
Communications Manager
heli.poikonen@helsinkishipyard.fi
p. +358 50 37 94119